Audi India's Perspective On The Future Of The Luxury EV Market

Times Drive's Q&A with Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India.

Audi India's Perspective On The Future Of The Luxury EV Market

Audi India's Perspective On The Future Of The Luxury EV Market

How has Audi India performed in 2024?

Audi India achieved a significant milestone of 1,00,000 cars sold in India last year, a testament to the brand's legacy and customer trust. The year also saw the successful launch of the new Audi Q8 and Audi Q7 models, strengthening the Q range and reinforcing Audi's leadership in the luxury SUV segment, driving substantial customer enthusiasm.
Amid supply-related challenges in the first half of 2024, Audi India retailed 5,816 units during the year. However, improved supplies in the second half led to a 36% growth in Q4 volumes compared to Q3, demonstrating the unwavering demand for Audi's products and our customers' enduring trust in the brand.
We remain optimistic about the Indian luxury car market and its long-term development prospects. Today, 1 in every 4th customer is a repeat Audi customer - this tells you we have loyal customers who appreciate what the brand offers.

What role does electrification play in shaping the future of the luxury car segment in India?

Electrification is playing a crucial role in the evolution of the luxury car segment in India, particularly as the country navigates a pivotal stage in its luxury EV industry. This transformation is driven by an increasing focus on sustainability, enhanced government support, and shifting consumer preferences.
While overall EV sales may face temporary challenges, the luxury segment presents significant potential. The growing population of high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and the emergence of eco-conscious consumers create a unique opportunity for luxury brands. These consumers are willing to invest in premium products that reflect their environmental values.

How is Audi's pre-owned car business progressing in the Indian market?

Audi Approved: plus, our pre-owned car business grew 32% in 2024. We are currently operating with 26 Audi Approved: plus facilities and will continue to expand and add more pre-owned car facilities this year.
We have 300+ cars available on the Audi Approved: plus portal across the country. Audi Approved: plus has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the brand and the customer and catering to the growing demand from these markets. It will continue to be an important part of our business strategy and we expect continued growth.

As Audi celebrated its 100k milestone, what notable achievements and challenges have defined its journey in India so far?

The 100,000th milestone is a testament to Audi India's unwavering commitment to our customers and the Indian luxury automotive market. Our journey in India has been marked by significant achievements that have shaped our legacy. From pioneering the luxury SUV segment with the Audi Q range to introducing cutting-edge technologies and expanding our portfolio with the e-tron range of electric vehicles, we have continually set benchmarks in design, performance, and innovation. A notable highlight of our journey has been the strong connection we have built with our customers through personalised experiences, comprehensive service programs, and innovative human-centric initiatives.
We are currently navigating an evolving regulatory landscape, managing supply chain disruptions, and addressing the growing demand for sustainable solutions that have required agility and innovation. These challenges have only reinforced our commitment to delivering excellence.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on shaping the future of luxury mobility in India driving forward with sustainability, digitalisation, and a customer-first approach.

How is Audi addressing infrastructure challenges like charging stations to support the broader adoption of EVs in India?

At Audi India, we have created an EV ecosystem for our customers. The e-tron hub is a special tab available on the 'myAudi Connect' app that guides customers on a range of functions and features about their electric vehicle. 'Charge my Audi' is available on the 'myAudi Connect' app. It is a one-stop solution that gives Audi e-tron customers access to multiple charging partners on one app.
Furthermore, 1,000+ charge points are currently available to Audi e-tron owners on 'Charge my Audi' with more to be added in the next few months. We offer a complimentary 10-year Road Side Assistance for our e-tron range which is the best-in-industry. We have successfully installed 140+ chargers across 75 cities in India - this includes all Audi India dealerships, workshop facilities and select VW Group brand dealerships located across strategic highways.
We have set up India's first ultra-fast charging e-tron hub in Mumbai. Boasting an impressive total capacity of 450kW, the ultra-fast charging 'e-tron hub' can deliver 360kW of power to an electric vehicle and is enabled by a five hundred amps liquid-cooled gun to ensure high performance and efficiency.

Could you provide insights into Audi's upcoming electric vehicle portfolio for India and how it aligns with its global electrification strategy?

We currently have four luxury electric cars in our portfolio. We have showcased new electric cars globally and will launch them in the country as soon as possible.

With the Indian government promoting electric mobility, how does Audi envision contributing to the country's EV ecosystem?

The outlook for the luxury electric vehicle (EV) market in India is positive as the country moves towards cleaner and more sustainable modes of transportation. In whe coming years, this segment is poised for robust growth driven by increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly vehicles, advancements in battery technology, and expanding EV infrastructure.
As the market evolves, we expect the range of electric models in the luxury segment to expand significantly, offering more choices for consumers who value innovation, exclusivity, and eco-consciousness. With continuous improvements in charging networks and battery efficiency, concerns about range and charging time are diminishing, making luxury EVs more accessible and convenient.

What is your perspective on the current state of the Indian luxury car market, and what key factors drive growth in this segment?

The Indian luxury car segment crossed 50,000 sales in 2024 for the first time, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences toward premium mobility solutions. At Audi India, we see this as an exciting time marked by a growing appetite for innovation, sustainability, and personalised experiences among our customers.
Key factors driving this growth include rising disposable incomes, a young and aspirational demographic, and increasing urbanisation. Furthermore, the government's push for infrastructure development is bolstering confidence in the luxury car segment.

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